AMSTERDAM BABY!

I'm off on Sunday, dont forget Soul Jazz tomorrow... here's the arts news...

I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles

This Thursday Bubbles in the Hot Tub, the latest comedy play out of Derry, opens it’s three night run in An Grianan. It’s got a good pedigree with writer DAve Duggan, who was Oscar nominated for his short film Dance Lexie Dance, which I looked for on you tube but sadly it’s not there! And also in this show is Carmel McCafferty who gained rave reviews for her portrayal of Maire, A Woman of Derry. It’s also got local twin towns favourite Rachel Devir in it, and Rachel runs our Youth Drama and Drama Classes here at An Grianan. It’s a rip- roaring comedy, according to Director and Producer Jonathan Burgess, so why not go along? More info and bookings on 074 91 20777 or on the web at angrianan.com.

Des & Rosie

A timely show, given the impending elections, is Des and Rosie at Large on at An Grianan from Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 May at 8pm. Well known as actors in their own right, Des Keogh and Rosaleen Linehan, bring their unique blend of song, satire and sheer fun back to An Grianán for the first time since 2000. Packed full of "golden oldies", topical sketches and updates on their last hit show, "Des and Rosie on the Luas"(seen recently at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin), the show coincides with the run-up to the general election so expect some irreverent fireworks to explode, Politicians, property developers, spin doctors, underage drinkers and others beware...

Fionn Regan & Ollie Cole

Fionn Regan performed recently at An Grianan and a cracking gig it was too. The simple line up of Fionn on guitar and vocals and Brian on drums makes a surprisingly full sound, aided by the occasional backing harmonies of Laura, and it was easy to see that Fionn was fired up for this show. New material flew out of him with a fire and venom which we didn’t see last time and proved that he has many more strings to his bow. The tragedy may be that with his career taking off in both the UK and America we may not see him back at this venue. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed! Ollie Cole, formerly of Turn, did an admirable job of support duties and he was telling me he is currently recording these songs with a band made up of members of Ireland’s indie elite. A supergroup if you will, I look forward to hearing the album.

Django in the Wine Bar

On Bank Holiday Saturday, 5th May Django is set to liven up McDaid’s Wine Bar in Ramelton with a dj set of Jazz, Funk, Lounge, Latin & Soul. He says to expect to hear a anything from vintage Egyptian jazz to the sounds of Brazilian tropicalia.

Balor

Here’s the month ahead at the Balor:

Thurs 3rd, Carnival Saloon play the music of Tom Waits (Music)
Fri 4th, A Night of Pipe and Brass (Music)
Mon 14th – Wed 16th, Balor CEP presents Love Rides The Rails (Drama)
Thurs 17th,Eoin Dillon & the Third Twin (Music)
Mon 21st, The Lisa Richards Comedy Club presents... Des Bishop (Comedy)
Thurs 24th, Donegal Fiddle Night (Music)
Mon 28th to Wed 30th, Donegal National Schools Drama Festival (Drama)
Thurs 31st, Roy – A Footballers Tale (Drama)

Earagail Arts Festival Dates

This year’s Earagail Arts Festival runs from the 9th to the 22nd July. More details from eaf.ie

Kilkenny Cat’s Laughs

The premier Comedy Festival in Ireland is the Kilkenny Cat Laughs, and its on from 31 May to the 4th June this year. In previous years the outrageous cost of accommodation has put me off this but it really is a great way to see a lot of comedians in a short space of time and highly recommended, the atmosphere is great just pack lots of cash. Check out the listings at www.catlaughs.com

Electric Picnic Sold Out

The best festival by a long shot in this country is the Electric Picnic, and it’s now sold out. Proper Order. Check out why at www.electricpicnic.ie

Summer Camps

An Grianan is now taking bookings for both the Jim Mailey Choral Summer Camp on the week of 23rd July and the Ballet Ireland Summer School on the week of the 30th July. Both were great last year and I’ll give you more information on them next week. If you know what they are about and want to get that quick booking in try the box office on 074 91 20777.